Measures to Increase Women's Participation in Politics

Elections stakeholders ended a two-day workshop in Yaounde on August 14.

More women are expected to be elected into National Assembly and councils in Cameroon's upcoming elections following recommendations made to political party leaders, government and women themselves at the end of a two -day workshop in Yaounde at Mont Fébe Hotel.

The workshop organised by Elections Cameroon in collaboration with UN Women, United Nations Development Programme and other partners was mainly aimed at causing political leaders to consider the gender approach in investing candidates for elections, build the capacities of women on political and electoral issues as well as create awareness of other stakeholders on the need to increase women's participation in politics. The participants for two days were guided by the call of the Deputy Director General of Elections in Elections Cameroon, Erik Essousse who officially opened the workshop.

After discussions and sharing, the participants recommended that the legal instruments be reviewed to set up quotas for women in elected and appointed offices and reduce the gap between educated and peasant women in order to facilitate the common understanding of their rights. It was also recommended that the capacities of women already occupying political positions be strengthened to enable them aptly carry out their duties, while awareness creation in women need to be intensified. Political party leaders were urged to respect the provisions of the Electoral code on taking into account the gender approach in constituting lists of candidates.

Major topics discussed included the fundamental principles of human rights protection in electoral matters, gender and elections, evaluation and the way forward for an equitable participation of men and women in electoral mandates and elected offices, political parties and the electoral process in Cameroon.